While the warmer weather is celebrated by most, there are many of us that also dread what comes with the changing season – allergies! Here in Denver we are already beginning to see an influx of pollen from our local flowers, trees, grasses, and weeds. It is estimated that anywhere from 10% to 30% of the global population is effected by allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and new environmental trend data is showing that airborne pollen is on the rise every year. However, before reaching for the usual antihistamine and decongestant medicine this year, consider looking to acupuncture and Chinese medicine for your allergy relief. This safe alternative can be just as effective as pharmaceuticals but without the undesired side effects like the immune system suppression, drowsiness, and over-reliance on medication.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is very unique in the way that it treats allergies. The goal is to not only provide symptom relief in patients, but to also treat the underlying root cause of the allergies. Chinese medicine typically identifies that root cause as a weakness in our “Wei Qi”. This Wei Qi most closely represents our immune system. It is an internal force in Chinese medicine that protects us from external invaders (seasonal allergies in this case) – the strength of the Wei Qi comes from the state of our respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.

Each acupuncture treatment here at The Healing Center strives to find the underlying cause of any patient ailment and creates a customized treatment plan that caters to an individual’s own constitution. Many treatment options with acupuncture and Chinese medicine are adaptogenic. This means that it helps your body to create a natural balance or homeostasis, which aids in boosting your immune system to help combat any future pathogens that may try to invade your body. On top of that, special consideration is always made for patients with auto-immune disorders like Celiac disease, immune compromised individuals, and patients with leaky guy issues.

Along with acupuncture and its various treatment modalities, there are many Chinese herbal formulas available at The Healing Center for patients with allergy or other sinus related symptoms:

AllerEase™ by Blue Poppy Herbs – This favorite at The Healing Center does an amazing job of treating acute allergic rhinitis with itchy eyes, sneezing, and clear, runny, and itchy nose. It treats these branch symptoms (without drying you out), but also has herbs to help treat the root cause of your allergies by improving your gastrointestinal, respiratory, and immune system.

Pueraria Clear Sinus™ by Evergreen Herbs – Great for treatment of sinusitis, rhinitis, or sinus infections with yellow nasal discharge. It has antiallergic and antihistamine effects to treat allergy-related issues, but also has natural antibiotic (antiviral and antibacterial) properties if there are any bacterial and viral infections of the nose or sinus cavity.

Magnolia Clear Sinus™ by Evergreen Herbs- has very similar properties to the Pueraria Clear Sinus, but works better for patients with clear to white nasal discharge (instead of yellow). Its anti-inflammatory properties help to constrict the vessels in the nasal mucosa to promote nasal drainage.

Honey – Our acupuncturist is also a beekeeper – he maintains 20 hives in the greater Denver area. All hives are 100% chemical treatment-free hives that were collected from local bee swarms. The raw and unfiltered honey from each hive is processed separately, so every jar represents an un-blended single batch honey from a single hive. This gives each jar its own unique flavor and taste.

At The Healing Center we use a combination of both Eastern Medicine and Functional Medicine to approach personalized patient health care from all available modalities – creating profound balance, harmony, and well-being in our patients. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine add another amazing approach to helping us overcome certain ailments like seasonal allergies or sinus related ailments. Book an appointment today with our acupuncturist Erik Johnson to help prevent upcoming seasonal allergies, or to see how this medicine can drastically reduce any symptoms that you are currently experiencing.

The Nervous System is in charge of sending messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to all parts of the body. The Nervous System integrates everything going on in the body. Your nervous system functioning optimally is a big deal!

Green smoothies are an excellent way to get an array of healthy ingredients in one meal! Whether you’re short on time, or just love smoothies they are a delicious addition to your day requiring very little prep time, or clean up! Here is a recipe we enjoy at The Healing Center:

At the Healing Center Denver, we utilize the Zyto hand scan as part of our comprehensive investigation into your individual health issues, which could include autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s, lupus, adrenal fatigue and more.
Just recently, Zyto technology was approved by the FDA as safe and accurate, and is the only energy scanner of its type that is fully approved as a Class II Medical Device and neurological device by the FDA!!

During the hot summer months, it’s important to stay hydrated and mindful of exposure to the sun. We will discuss staying hydrated, getting sun exposure for Vitamin D synthesis, and healthy sunscreen options.

Hello friends! My name is Sonja Miltner. I am a vegan personal chef, and my business is called Fresh Perspective. My parents converted to vegetarianism in their early twenties and raised me that way as well. In my adult life I found a passion for creating nutritious and delicious vegan meals for my family, my friends, and myself. I offer personalized, in-home meal prep for busy families, professionals, and athletes.

Gout is a form of arthritis that this characterized by sudden reoccurring attacks of severe pain, redness, tenderness, heat/warmth, and swelling in the joints of the body. The metatarsal-phalangeal joint is the most commonly affected area of the body, but it can also affect other major joints of the body (ex: hand, wrist, elbow, knee, ankle, etc…). Gout is commonly caused by an increased intake in foods that are rich in purines and/or a dysfunction of the kidney’s ability to properly excrete uric acid from the body.

Dr. Katharine Gandy is a passionate student of all things holistic and strives to help others find their optimum life potential. Using disciplines of chiropractic, functional medicine, energy work, massage, and cranial sacral, this integrative natural care physician has been treating patients with a wide range of conditions for over 13 years. Dr. Gandy focuses her continuing education in Neuro-Emotional Technique, nutrition, allergy elimination, pediatrics, and functional neurology to help her patients address the physical, chemical and emotional imbalances created from the multiple stressors we face each day.